Curriculum

The Program in Diagnostic Genetics is a two-year, clinical thesis based, highly intensive course of study that integrates classroom lectures, laboratory demonstrations, clinical research, and technical experience to prepare each student for national certification as a molecular genetic technologist.

An integral part of the MS curriculum is pursuing applied (clinical and basic translational) research. Students are required to select and identify their program mentors and related research laboratories during the first semester of the program. The curriculum includes didactic course work followed by directed clinical laboratory training at affiliated hospitals and laboratories.

During the didactic phase, formal lectures are presented on the principles of medical genetics, molecular and biochemical basis of genetic disease, hematology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, clinical molecular genetics and molecular genetic technology. Laboratory sessions coordinated to lectures and covering the fundamentals of diagnostic laboratory procedures are included in the didactic phase.